Colt Single Action Army Revolver, Property of Major John Burke, Associate of William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody 

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Historic Firearms and Early Militaria: Day 1

By Cowan's Auctions

Apr 29, 2015 - Apr 30, 2015

Set Reminder 2015-04-29 10:00:00 2015-04-30 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Historic Firearms and Early Militaria: Day 1 https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/cowans/historic-firearms-and-early-militaria-day-1-555
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• Lot Description
  .45 caliber, 7.5” barrel, S/N 111172, blue and case hardened finish, matching numbers, checkered black hard rubber grips. Includes holster, cartridge money belt and documents file with history as previously being the property of Major John Burke, business manager to and longtime personal friend of William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody. Colt factory letter included.
  
  Factory letter states:
  .45 caliber.
  7.5” barrel.
  Blue finish.
  Rubber grips.
  Shipped to Hartley & Graham, New York, NY.
  Shipped July 31, 1884.
  Number of guns in shipment: 50.
  
  Major John Burke began his friendship with Cody on the plains of Nebraska some 50 years before their deaths in 1917. Burke, who early on was given the name “Scarface” by his Indian friends, traveled the West with Buffalo Bill and became his personal business manager and press representative when the Wild West Shows were initiated. Burke accompanied Cody throughout Europe on tour and was also a journalist of note, writing extensively about his experiences on the plains. Burke passed away from pneumonia just two months after the death of his longtime best friend, Cody, some at the time saying his passing was due to his weakened condition from that loss.
  
  Accompanying this lot is a binder including sepia tone copies of two portrait photos of the “Major,” numerous other copies of publicity and behind-the-scenes photos of the Wild West Show (some with “Burke & Atwell, Press Photographers, Chicago” stampings on the backs), an original unpublished photo copy of Buffalo Bill in a horse-drawn carriage with Burke seen standing in a crowd near the showman and copies of period newspaper articles on Burke’s death, a photocopy of the Eulogy presented at Cody’s funeral services, a copy of a Western Union Telegram from Burke to Alfred Heimer stating sympathy to the Cody family and a copy of another Western Union Telegram signed “Louie” notifying Alfred Heimer, Cody’s personal attendant and long-time friend, of the passing of Buffalo Bill dated Jan. 11, 1917.
  
  Provenance of this lot includes a notarized statement, dated April 27, 2007, from Western historian and collector Dave Zerbe, indicating the materials in this lot descended into his family through Marie Neithammer, the niece of Cody’s personal attendant, Alfred Heimer. Marie, as a child was referred to as “his little flower” by Cody and there are two copies of photos of Neithammer included in the accompanying binder, one as a child with Buffalo Bill and another as a young woman sitting on the back of a carriage. Our consignor obtained these pieces from the sale of the Zerbe collection on March 28, 2007 by Little John’s Auction Service.
  
  A fine addition to any collection of early Western historical pieces from perhaps the closest longtime friend of the greatest showman of his time, Buffalo Bill and descended through the family of one of Cody’s other closest associates, Alfred Heimer. 
  
  Provenance: Major John Burke, Buffalo Bill Cody Business Manager

  Condition

  This gun is in overall very good condition showing an overall dark patina with holster wear to the muzzle and scattered pitting and remnants of what appears to be an old re-blue. The front sight has an interesting brass “cap” that has ingeniously raised the front targeting plane. The action is good, all visible numbers are matching and the grips are worn but in overall good condition. The bore shows considerable firing and the cylinder displays old wear between the stops.
  
  The double-loop leather holster is in overall good condition with leather tie down added and a period monogram on the front of what appears to be the stylized initials “MB”. The combination money/cartridge belt is maker-marked “El Paso Saddlery Co., Makers, El Paso, Tex.,” is stamped “45,” with early square metal buckle and is in well-worn condition.
• Shipping Info

  • SHIPPING. At the request of the buyer, Cowan's will authorize the shipment of purchased items. Shipments usually occur within two weeks after payment has been received. Shipment is generally made via UPS Ground service. Unless buyer gives special instructions, the shipping method shall be at the sole discretion of Cowan's Auctions, Inc.. Cowan's is in no way responsible for the acts or omissions of independent handlers, packers or shippers of purchased items or for any loss, damage or delay from the packing or shipping of any property.

• Buyer's Premium

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